Special Units

Chicago Police Seize $33 Million In Marijuana

One of the Chicago PD's K-9 officers who was involved in a $33 million narcotics bust. Photo: Chicago PD.

An investigation led by a Chicago Police narcotics unit has culminated in the seizure of $33 million in bundled marijuana that was headed to South Side Latino street gangs for distribution.

More than 12,000 pounds of pot was seized on the city's west side on Monday afternoon in vehicles and at a storage warehouse, Chicago Police announced.

Seven men involved in the transport of the narcotics were arrested and officers seized seven vehicles and two firearms.

Chicago narcotics officers initiated an investigation after receiving information that a drug trafficking organization linked to several street gangs was storing and distributing large quantities of narcotics in several areas of the city, Lt. Maureen Biggane tells POLICE Magazine.

The officers eventually identified a warehouse in the 1000 block of S. Kolmar Ave. and conducted surveillance.

On Aug. 22, officers stopped a cargo van that was observed leaving the grounds. Officers discovered nearly 2,500 pounds of cannabis inside the vehicle. A search of the warehouse resulted in finding almost 9,800 additional pounds of cannabis. The seizures were coordinated with the gang enforcement unit, gang intelligence unit's tech lab, K-9 officers, and SWAT.

According to officials, Heraclio Osorio-Arellanes and four other members of a crew that planned on robbing marijuana smugglers encountered Terry and other agents who were on a stakeout in the southern Arizona desert. The 30-year-old Border Patrol agent was fatally shot in the encounter.

Throughout the day, Jen kept busy working around the clock to take orders and bake the goods all herself. Even when the baked goods ran out, Jen stayed open taking orders for pick-up with all the proceeds going to the Rittner family.

During big events, police say traffickers take advantage of hot spots like sports venues, hotels and areas just outside main interstates that can turn into easy areas for trafficking—all areas you can expect NBA All-Star weekend events.

McCord's home surveillance cameras captured scenes of officers surrounding the house and McCord's brother-in-law walking out of the home with his hands up as officers shout commands. McCord also surrendered in compliance with officers' commands.

One of five officers wounded or injured at Tree of Life, Matson was shot more than six times inside the synagogue during the attack, which left 11 people dead and seven wounded. He remained in critical condition for days after the shooting.

Officials say around 9:15 a.m., the Milwaukee Police Department’s Tactical Enforcement Unit was in the neighborhood to serve a search warrant. At 9:20 a.m., officers made contact with two subjects — and shots were fired. One officer was struck and mortally wounded.